PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Molybdenum Disulfide PVD vs Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD
Molybdenum Disulfide PVD and Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; wC/C PVD resists corrosion better.
Molybdenum Disulfide PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
MoS2 is a soft, dark-grey solid-lubricant coating selected for dry and vacuum mechanisms.
Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
WC/C is a tungsten-containing hydrogenated amorphous-carbon coating, often written a-C:H:W, for sliding and rolling components.
When to choose which
Choose MoS2 PVD
Choose MoS2 PVD when high-vacuum dry lubrication is primary.
- Friction about 0.02–0.10 in dry or vacuum service
- Vacuum-compatible solid lubrication
- Thin 1–3 µm film
Choose WC/C PVD
Choose WC/C PVD when greater load capacity in air is required.
- Dry friction commonly 0.1–0.2
- About 1000–1500 HV hardness
- Good scuffing resistance
What the numbers say
- WC/C PVD resists corrosion better.
- WC/C PVD is the harder surface (1,000–1,500 HV vs 40–60 HV).
- MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- MoS2 PVD is the thinner coating (1–3 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | MoS2 PVD | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 20 Low | 48 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 26 Low | 77 Very good |
| Cosmetic quality | 35 Fair | 50 Fair |
| Lubricity | 98 Excellent | 90 Excellent |
| Cost | 76 $$$$ | 86 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | MoS2 PVD | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–3 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 40–60 HV | 1,000–1,500 HV |
| Max service temperature | 400 °C | 350 °C |
| Electrical | Semi-conductive | Semi-conductive |
| Colours | dark grey, black | dark grey, black |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–12 working days | 7–12 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | MoS2 PVD | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
MoS2 PVD vs WC/C PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between MoS2 PVD and WC/C PVD?
Molybdenum Disulfide PVD and Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; wC/C PVD resists corrosion better. WC/C PVD is the harder surface (1,000–1,500 HV vs 40–60 HV). MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use MoS2 PVD instead of WC/C PVD?
Choose MoS2 PVD when high-vacuum dry lubrication is primary. Conversely: choose WC/C PVD when greater load capacity in air is required.
Is MoS2 PVD or WC/C PVD cheaper?
MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for WC/C PVD) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.